Venton Dunigan

Published 12:01 am Friday, January 23, 2015

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Jan. 29, 1933 – Jan. 19, 2015

NATCHEZ — Memorial services for Venton Dunigan, 81, of Natchez, who died Monday, Jan. 19, 2015, at his residence, will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Riverside Baptist Church with the Rev. Spruce Derden officiating.

Mr. Dunigan selflessly donated his body to the University of Mississippi Medical Center body donation program for research and medical education.

Mr. Dunigan was born Jan. 29, 1933, in Lucien, the son of Marshall and Lula Dunigan.

He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Alaska. After his return from the service, he moved to Natchez and worked at Armstrong Tire and Rubber Company for 32 years before retirement.

Mr. Dunigan was always a role model for his family and community, showing kindness, generosity and gentleness to many. He reflected and taught these virtues through his love of the outdoors. He spent a lifetime enjoying the outdoors through his hobbies of fishing, hunting and gardening. He selflessly and patiently shared his love and knowledge of his hobbies with many, especially his family.

Mr. Dunigan was preceded in death by his parents; eight brothers; and two sisters.

Survivors include his devoted wife of 58 years, Irene Hudson Dunigan; one daughter, Kathy Dunigan Smith and husband, Steve, of Natchez; one son, Mike Dunigan and wife, Kelly, of Kerrville, Texas; three grandchildren, Stevie Smith and wife, Jeanne, of Alexandria, La., Travis Smith and wife, Laura, of Natchez and Dylan Dunigan of Austin, Texas; four great-grandchildren, Cole and Lily Smith of Alexandria and Hart and Halle Smith of Natchez; one sister, Doris Campbell and husband, Sonny, of Baton Rouge; and a number of nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Tribute Giving, Office of Development, Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children, 2500 N. State St., Jackson, MS 39216 or the Natchez Children’s Home Services, 806 N. Union St., Natchez, MS 39120.